The phrase describes a scenario where a customer receives a reimbursement from Amazon for a purchased item without being required to return the product. This can occur due to various reasons, such as the item being of low value, the return process being excessively costly for Amazon, or the item being potentially hazardous to ship. For instance, if a customer receives a damaged or defective item worth only a few dollars, Amazon might choose to issue a refund rather than process a return.
This practice benefits both the customer and Amazon in certain situations. For the customer, it offers a convenient resolution to a problem without the hassle of packaging and shipping the item back. For Amazon, it can reduce logistical costs associated with returns, streamline customer service operations, and potentially increase customer satisfaction by providing a quick and easy solution. Historically, this type of resolution has become more common as e-commerce businesses strive to optimize their return processes and minimize expenses.